The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Right Rev Dr Charles McMullen, has accepted an invitation from the Irish Government to the State reception it is holding for Pope Francis in Dublin Castle on Saturday 25th August 2018.
Pope Francis will be in the Republic of Ireland for the final two days of the World Meeting of Families (25th-26th August 2018). Dr McMullen will also be present, at the personal invitation of Archbishop Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, at the ‘Festival of Families’ in Croke Park that evening, which Pope Francis will attend.
Speaking from Jordan, where he is on a 10-day visit meeting church leaders, mission partner organisations and those working with them, Dr McMullen said that he was very much looking forward to attending both events and meeting Pope Francis.
“I am sure that many people, both in the Roman Catholic Church and outside of it, are excited and looking forward to the visit.”
“Back in March, at the time of the formal confirmation of the visit, as a Church we recognised that this would be something that would bring great joy to our Roman Catholic neighbours and friends and as such it was something that we wanted to welcome.”
“The visit of Pope Francis to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families will greatly enhance the affirmation of the place of the family at the heart of society and that has to be a good thing. I am personally very pleased that our Church has been able to accept the invitation to the reception and I am looking forward to it. Should there be an opportunity to meet Pope Francis in Dublin Castle, I would also very much welcome that in the context of building good relations.”
Read more news from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland on their website here.